Flu confirmed in Flathead

| December 25, 2005 1:00 AM

The Daily Inter Lake

Officials with the Flathead City-County Health Department announced Friday that state lab tests have confirmed several cases of influenza A in the Flathead Valley.

From October through May, the department monitors flu-like illnesses from labs and local health-care providers. The state lab tests samples from these providers to confirm the initial flu diagnosis.

According to a press release, the department still has flu vaccine available for all ages, beginning at 6 months.

People still will benefit from a flu shot since it provides protection within two weeks. Protection lasts six months with the strongest immunity during the first three months following the shot.

Those between six months and 9 years old should get a second shot at least four weeks after their initial vaccination.

Although the health department is closed until Tuesday due to the holidays, the normal immunization clinic hours are:

. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.

. Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For additional information, call 751-8110.